Lakers fans meltdown at LeBron James’ dramatic exit: ‘Absolute cinema’
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Fans were left shocked Tuesday morning after LeBron James announced he will no longer play for the Los Angeles Lakers — with some celebrating The King’s exit, and others appreciating the legacy he left behind.
“It’ll be sad to see him go,” Lakers fan Zay Crup told The California Post in a conversation outside Crypto.com Arena Tuesday after the LeBron news broke. Crup said LeBron’s legacy with the team — winning a championship and breaking the NBA scoring record — is deserving of a statue outside Crypto.
“So I mean he’s he’s one of the greats. You know. Can’t be mad at that. He wants to do something else. I think it’s time for him to leave. But it’s all right. You know, we love him. We love him,” Lakers fan Jason Mendez told The Post.
Other fans in downtown Los Angeles were excited about LeBron’s departure.
“I think it’s time he’s over the hill and very expensive. And the next couple of years will not be worth it. I now know that we have the money to bring in a winner for next year. Let’s do it. Go, Lakers!,” Randall Ortiz told The Post.
Reaction on social media was mixed — some recognizing it was time for the team to depart from James, while others criticized the King for once again jumping ship to reportedly form a super team.
“Okay, LeBron to the Warriors. Let’s get this over with. Never compare him to Jordan, ever,” one user wrote on X.
Honestly, this was best for both sides.
I know there will be fans saying how his production will be missed this season and etc. but in life there is always a time and place for everything.
And for both the Lakers and LeBron, it was time.
As a Lakers fan — thank you Bron 👑 pic.twitter.com/UDYZr5Q2Ov
Thank the basketball gods. Best news ever for us Lakers fans!!
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Others said they were “lowkey sad” to see James go.
“Honestly, this was best for both sides,” another user posted on X. “I know there will be fans saying how his production will be missed this season and etc. but in life there is always a time and place for everything.”
Some Lakers fans even rejoiced, hailing the decision by the oldest player in the NBA to take his talents elsewhere in a move described as “absolute cinema.”
“Thank the basketball gods. Best news ever for us Lakers fans!” a fan said.
LeBron played eight seasons for the Lakers, his longest stint in his career, and is entering his 24th NBA season as the oldest player in the league.
Fans are now speculating where the 41-year-old will play next season — with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors as the clear favorites.
“Whatever jersey LeBron wears next, the entire basketball world will be watching,” a user said on X.
Skip Bayless, a sports commentator who boasts more than three million followers on X, also broke his silence.
“It sure looks like the most money LeBron can make will be the $15 mil that Golden State can pay him, which you assume he’ll take whether or not the Warriors can trade for AD,” he wrote on X.
“No, Rich Paul did not ‘inform the Lakers’ that LeBron will play elsewhere next season. They had already made it clear to him he’d have to take very little money to play for the Lakers BECAUSE THEY DON’T WANT HIM BACK. LUKA DOES NOT WANT HIM BACK. Lakers are now relieved,” he added.
It sure looks like the most money LeBron can make will be the 15 mil that Golden State can pay him, which you assume he'll take whether or not the Warriors can trade for AD.
“Ummm im going back to sleep! its not even the first and our season is already OVER,” one wrote on X, referring to the Lakers star potentially leaving the team.
Ummm im going back to sleep! its not even the first and our season is already OVER 🤦🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/Hvl9yqOUSq
Others appeared happy with the possibility.
“Good I can finally watch the lakers again. Time to build around Luka. Tired of watching him fall on the ground & complain so much. Laker fans don’t want that. As Kobe would say his SOFT,” one wrote.
Good I can finally watch the lakers again. Time to build around Luka. Tired of watching him fall on the ground & complain so much. Laker fans don’t want that. As Kobe would say his SOFT
Some are hoping he has a full-circle moment and returns to the team where it all started.
“LeBron has already decided he’s coming back to the Cavs for his farewell tour. The video was made on the championship reunion trip. The stars have aligned, this was always the plan. Everything else is shade! Going to be a crazy year in the Land,” one fan wrote.
LeBron has already decided he’s coming back to the Cavs for his farewell tour. The video was made on the championship reunion trip. The stars have aligned, this was always the plan. Everything else is shade! Going to be a crazy year in the Land